Sheep breeders will not lose their flocks’ Maedi Visna (MV)-free status during the coronavirus pandemic.
Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), which carries out testing for the disease as part of its Premium Sheep and Goat Health Schemes, had originally planned to suspend a flock’s MV-free status if flocks were unable to have their renewal testing carried out due to Covid-19.
The move was criticised by breed societies, who said the loss of MV-free status would negatively impact breeders when pedigree sales resume later in the year.
SRUC has since changed its stance and agreed to allow flocks to maintain their MV-free status, and issue accreditation certificates, based on a signed declaration from the breeder that the rules of the health scheme are and will be followed.
SRUC head of veterinary services, George Caldow, said: “There will be no requirement to blood-sample and test animals until such time as the restrictions to sampling at the farm are removed as a consequence of a change in the national Covid-19 infection control strategy.”
He added: “When routine testing is resumed, members whose tests have been delayed will be given a three-month period in which to have blood sampling and testing completed.
“Their certification status will be maintained during this period and we will maintain clear communication with our members on the changing requirements.”
He called on farmers and auctioneers to be particularly mindful of biosecurity if any sales of breeding sheep take place during this period, and asked breeders to consult with their vets to minimise the risk of infectious disease at sales.
The decision by SRUC was welcomed by Beltex Sheep Society chairman Jim Kennedy, who runs the Lyonpark flock in Maybole, Ayrshire.
He said: “The new guidelines look very workable which is all we could ask for.”